tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53645251929421660242017-07-23T02:44:16.551-07:00Up the hillCatalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.comBlogger170125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-39521822882918678922014-08-28T16:24:00.002-07:002014-08-28T16:26:23.129-07:00The war.Hello, my friends. It's been a long time, a VERY long time. I won't go into the reasons for this right now. There is something else that's been pressing on my heart heavily lately, as well as the hearts of many thousands of people.<br /><br />The war. The war in Ukraine. I grew up in Ukraine, mainly - Donetsk. That's where I found my first best friend, that's where I had my first big dreams of my childhood, my first love. You might have heard the news about the situation there - I won't go into it. You heard it, you know what's going on as much as me.<br /><br />My grandfather, a WW2 survivor, a cancer survivor, a disabled person, had to flee his home just a week ago. My family is praying that they made it out - refugees have hard time finding safe passages out of the cities. We have not heard from them yet. The winter approaches, and if you know anything about Eastern Europe, you know that if the gas and food lines are cut off from the main cities - the people there won't make it.<br /><br />But worst of all, if that while the civilians are evacuated, families are fleeing to their relatives in Russia and other countries around Ukraine, there is a LARGE contingent of Ukrainians that will be left behind. They will be left behind to starve and die. If not die from starvation, then from shelling.<br /><br />I am talking, of course, about the "forgotten ones". The thousands of orphans that are still in Ukraine, I am talking about the disabled elderly who have no one. I am talking to those in the smaller villages, those that simply have nowhere to go. Plus, thousands of families displaced, without a home, food or basic things a person needs. One nurse in a "birthing home" plead for formula, because the infants were simply starving - they were rationing it as best as they could, but they are just running out.<br /><br />But how do you help someone in a war zone? Well, I don't believe for a second, that it was a mere coincidence that have caused me to stumble upon a particular website, a charitable organization in Ukraine. They have spent years in helping the sick and the orphans.<br />They are attempting to go into the front lines and help with basic necessities there, as well as sending the supplies to the refugees. They have put out a call for help and supplies, but for those of us overseas, it would be easiest to donate much needed money to fund this:<br /><br /><a href="http://deti.zp.ua/eng/show_article.php?a_id=507814">http://deti.zp.ua/eng/show_article.php?a_id=507814</a><br /><br />I ask my friend, please donate as much as you can. Be is as little as 10$ - it will go far in that region. I also know that 100% of those donations will go to helping people, especially the children. Right now we need to help them buy time, to make it through this. Please.<br /><br /><br />Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-82689990749777346752013-08-30T12:40:00.000-07:002013-09-04T22:00:52.589-07:00A chance to change a life.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPIRFy6gWlI/UiDzmXls3VI/AAAAAAAAHeM/KGY0hq6EJhY/s1600/_1150935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPIRFy6gWlI/UiDzmXls3VI/AAAAAAAAHeM/KGY0hq6EJhY/s200/_1150935.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><b>Update: </b>Thank you for all, who answered the call, and thanks be to God for providing this miracle! As always, You are faithful, and are are so fortunate to see these things happen. She desperately needed just 1 month worth of funds, but just in one day - she was set for 4 whole months! For more, please visit &nbsp;<a href="http://bibleorphanministry.blogspot.com/2013/09/yes-it-happened.html" target="_blank">Bible Orphan Ministry</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I honestly don't know if anyone reads my blog, but in an off chance that someone does, I am praying that this gets passed along.<br /><br />From a fellow-blogger in Ukraine, they are asking for help for this sweet young lady. They only need 189.00$ to help her get an education. This is from <a href="http://bibleorphanministry.blogspot.com/2013/08/giving-future-to-precious-souls.html" target="_blank">Bible Orphan Ministry: </a><br /><br />&nbsp;<i>This beautiful &nbsp;young soul &nbsp;this year just graduated an orphanage. Аll her childhood she spent away from the family, not knowing that such parental care and gentle mothering love. Throughout the years Olga was a good student and always did well with liability given to her assignments. She is always happy our arrival and came to Bible lessons or meetings. Olga is loving the Lord Jesus soul. She is a Christian who trusts the Lord that He will take care of her. In the daily prayers, she opens her heart to the Lord, pouring out all her heartaches and worries.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>&nbsp; This year, Olga faced with a huge challenge. Not one college and trade school did not want to take her, because she was in orphanage for children with special needs. Spent a lot of time and days in search of schools, who have agreed to receive this sweet girl. But it was all to no avail ... Imagine, what felt Olga at this point? What she thought? &nbsp;Not being accepted from childhood she has still suffering from this terrible stain. "You are not like everyone ."&nbsp;</i></div><i></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>In fact, Olya is smart girl and sometimes, when we saw her in orphanage. I always thought, what she was doing there? She probably got here by mistake of doctors. That unfortunately is very common. :(&nbsp;</i></div><i></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>Honestly, I do not know why Olga came to the orphanage. But she would LOVE to study very much! Her dream is to get an education and to live an independent life. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I have been blessed to have a mother, who gave her all to raise me and give me an education. I might have not had the means to go to the best of colleges, but I have always had the opportunity to do so, if I put effort in it. But I cannot imagine to desperately want a chance for edication, and being told "no". They only need such a small amount.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I know that there are countless needs, and asking for money is hard. But I honestly believe that when it all comes down, and you are asked to account for how we spent our time on earth, helping someone to acheive that should be a basic human right - its amazing. Its glorious. Its humane.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If anyone reads my blogs - please help raise this miniscule amount. Just a tiny little drop. But what a lifetime of difference it would be for this young woman!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Donations can be made to Olga's fund under&nbsp; <b>thebibleorphanministry@gmail.com (PayPal).</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>&nbsp;</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-53897926807986292982013-08-23T10:18:00.002-07:002013-08-23T10:18:46.975-07:00So yes, Uganda!<br /><br />Yes, its finally happening. The time is set, the ticket is purchased! I just have to get a little bit extra from the bank to cover the rest, but I finally am getting around to doing it - I am going to Uganda!<br /><br />I am going with the Go Team - <a href="http://www.internationalvoiceoftheorphan.com/" target="_blank">International Voice of the Orphans.&nbsp; </a>What can I say, I am so happy that things happen as they do. That I find an amazing group of people that knows what they are doing, have a purpose, a plan, and a passion. If you asked me a few years ago - what's one place you are least likely to go, it would be Africa.<br /><br />Am I scared? Actually, I am more scared of telling my family that I am going. My husband knows, and he's been supportive with anything I set out to do, but the rest of the family - not so much. I know I will get a lot of negative comments and judgement, and its really stressing me out.<br /><br />But no, I am most definitely not scared of Africa. Our fear of some place comes from lack of knowledge about the place. But the more you learn about something, the less scary it becomes. I hate flying, so that's probably will be the biggest challenge for me to overcome. On the plus side, we are not flying Delta. :D<br /><br />So, yes, I am so thrilled and in disbelief that in less than a month, my feet will be touching Uganda's soil. How awesome is this?!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H18zedHw7tQ/UheZWgq9upI/AAAAAAAAHdQ/tJgXI-xYhw4/s1600/uganda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H18zedHw7tQ/UheZWgq9upI/AAAAAAAAHdQ/tJgXI-xYhw4/s320/uganda.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />PS Perhaps one day it will be North Korea, or Pakistan, or even Iran. Who knows, right?Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-84655137304146988372013-08-21T21:09:00.002-07:002013-08-21T21:09:59.988-07:00Don't let me be like that guy.It's a funny thing, talking with God. This small, often invisible dialogue, that comes out from nowhere while you folding the laundry. The kind of talk, where you stop seeing the laundry, and instead you are being revealed a glimpse of possibilities. Or instead, something that was plain in front of you all this time. It just took His gentle nudging to let you see.<br /><br />I want to start this off with "this guy", the kind of guy that I don't want to be.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cLbSqwik-X0/UhWKy3bslVI/AAAAAAAAHc0/Fb4DJuKgggY/s1600/atlas7201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cLbSqwik-X0/UhWKy3bslVI/AAAAAAAAHc0/Fb4DJuKgggY/s200/atlas7201.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Actually it all started with me freaking out over two palmetto bugs (if you are not familiar with these creatures, feel free to google them). It is sufficient to say, that there is little else that frightens me to the very core of my heart. They were not important, they were slain by my knight of a husband. But, out of their deaths came a heart's cry "If only." And the myriad of wishes started to pour in. "If only I was not scared of them." "If only they were bright green or blue." "If only."<br /><br />Then a voice said, "If tonight, you could have one single wish granted, what would it be? Just like that: anything you ask right now, it would be given - what would it be?"<br />And my mind started to churn, weighing my heart, weighing my wants, and weighing my prayers. Riches, endless riches for me. "Is that really what you want?"<br /><br />A part of me, was tempted to &nbsp;say "YES!" To go on a mission trip without worrying about the money, to help anyone with adoption, HECK, to do something HUGE and MEANINGFUL with all that money and help SO many people. But the other part of me, the part that's a little bit more honest said "Not really. You know you. You will not do those things you think you will do. You will be forever changed from what you could be." So, no Money wasn't it.<br /><br />Of course. Complete and immediate cure to all the "butterflies" in the world (the EB kids and adults that weigh so heavy on my heart). No doubt in my mind. right now, yes, a 100 times YES!<br />But what about the rest, that suffer too? The hidden away in cages of the EE orphanages? The abused in the crack houses? The ones that are raped over and over day after day in Thailand by rich western tourists? the ones that are dying of starvation and HIV in the refugee camps of Rwanda? The North Koreans? The ones that...and the weight started to add up. And the atrocities of our kind started to flood my heart. WHICH wrong will you choose to right, right now?!<br /><br />How do I choose. And that is when, the answer was clear. Don't be "that guy". The weight of this world is not for your shoulders, child. You are not fit for it. You were not meant to bear it. The cross is NOT YOURS TO BEAR.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ieScBnTgMY/UhWNMkQdo_I/AAAAAAAAHdA/q-Ub_yb1vSA/s1600/Jesus_carryingLamb-300x222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ieScBnTgMY/UhWNMkQdo_I/AAAAAAAAHdA/q-Ub_yb1vSA/s1600/Jesus_carryingLamb-300x222.jpg" /></a></div><br />&nbsp; You are not the Atlas. You are being carried on MY shoulders. Since before you were born, and until your last breath. That is why there is no "one wish". But there is no limit on prayers. There is no limit on how many things I choose to break your heart with, because your prayers reach me. You don't understand the why, but I do. You may not accept "no", but I want you to know that I know when you are praying for them. And one day you might understand the reason and see My plan.<br /><br />I am not Atlas, and God is not a genie. He is God. Always sovereign. Always listening.<br />And just to clear any misunderstanding, at no point I thought that God was about to grant me magic wishes, and I valiantly turned down to be a millionaire. I knew all along that he was being hypothetical. In like, 3D!<br /><br /><br />Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-36826290675862403382013-07-30T04:52:00.000-07:002013-07-30T04:52:07.137-07:00I'll be blunt.A few posts ago, I have posted about a <a href="http://upthehillbothways.blogspot.com/2013/07/battle-horn-has-sounded-for-baby-n.html" target="_blank">fundraiser for Baby N</a>. My heart breaks to peices. This is from N's mommy:<br /><br /><i>"I must say, some days are harder then others. Tonight my heart feels shattered, and the tears wont seem to stop. </i><br /><h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:1,&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;K&quot;}"><i><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> I have watched, through photos over the past months, a baby fighting to stay alive. I have loved him. I have dreamt of him. I have prepared in every way to have him enter in our family. We have been blessed with so much love and support through all of this but I have also been greeted with doubt and a lack of support on many occasions, and by many people that I would never have thought would question me. I have faced set back after set back with a smile and a broken heart, I have answered numerous questions, and fielded many hurtful comments, I have tried to make the best decisions I can make to somewhat protect the child I so much love, and have cried so many tears for. <br /> <br /> I am sad tonight, I am sad because we are NO WHERE near reaching our goal to bring him home to our family. I am sad because I feel like I am watching this child die and will never get the chance to hold him, to kiss him, and to just let him know that he is loved, by his parents, his sisters, his brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. HE IS LOVED. <br /> <br /> I am in no way giving up on him or giving up bringing him home. but I personally am done with online fundraisers, with sharing our story, with laying my heart out to every one. ALL I want is to get him home, to help him heal, to teach him love and what a family can be. <br /> <br /> We are going to do everything we can do to get him home. It will take us time. we know that. We are not wealthy, but we LOVE. we do not have $50,000 sitting in the bank, but we are working hard. It will take us some time. Sadly, time that I know he does not have. But we will NOT ever stop trying to get him here.<br /> <br /> Thank you all for your continued support, I can't even express to you how much we appreciate every prayer, every thought, all the kind words, and many donations. We hope that one day we can share his first family photo with you all!"</span></span></span></i></h5><h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:1,&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;K&quot;}"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">&nbsp;</span></span></span></i><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">If you are an adoptive parent, or have been involved in adopting family's story, you know how frustrating it is to just get through to people. To literally beg for ransom money for your child. And all you are met with is cold, heart, stone indifference. I'll be blunt friends. This child is dying. He has a terminal disease for which there is no cure. He might live a couple of more years, or just a couple of more weeks. I don't know what his condition is right now.</span></span></span></span></h5><h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:1,&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;K&quot;}"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">But all I know is that he is someone's son. He is someone's precious little creature that is suffering, and whether he is bound for this world for a year, or for a week - he deserves to be given a chance to live it loved and cared for. He deserves to be given medical care, clean bandages, and pain relief.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></h5><h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:1,&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;K&quot;}"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">There are days where I just want to throw my monitor our the window. I have mailed at least 30 bloggy friends. Begging for the to spread the word about Baby N. I have gotten 2 replies. 2 faithful warriors - I bow to you deeply. WHERE ARE THE REST OF YOU, WARRIORS?! Is this child NOT worthy of our attention?! Is HIS life not worth of you just MENTIONING him on your blogs?!Are his pictures too graphic to be shared? </span></span></span></span></h5><h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:1,&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;K&quot;}"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I will be blunt. I am begging you on my knees. Please write about him. Just mention him on your blogs. That's all I am asking for.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></h5><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-agEL4H3UhB0/UfeoXTezosI/AAAAAAAAHaM/v6JXjHMpkyI/s1600/n1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-agEL4H3UhB0/UfeoXTezosI/AAAAAAAAHaM/v6JXjHMpkyI/s320/n1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YNucmMoxypQ/UfeoaOL4u-I/AAAAAAAAHaU/Sq9LI8ovuUg/s1600/n2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YNucmMoxypQ/UfeoaOL4u-I/AAAAAAAAHaU/Sq9LI8ovuUg/s320/n2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YlLw6s4QwPs/UfeoaFIKOTI/AAAAAAAAHaY/XSXh5DvTVac/s1600/n3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YlLw6s4QwPs/UfeoaFIKOTI/AAAAAAAAHaY/XSXh5DvTVac/s320/n3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WA4iOtWw6EI/UfeoaISxSlI/AAAAAAAAHas/_Q4LteZ0b6M/s1600/n4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WA4iOtWw6EI/UfeoaISxSlI/AAAAAAAAHas/_Q4LteZ0b6M/s320/n4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yiUPRU2vU3I/UfeoaRPYUzI/AAAAAAAAHag/sQbxlFcS6ms/s1600/n5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yiUPRU2vU3I/UfeoaRPYUzI/AAAAAAAAHag/sQbxlFcS6ms/s320/n5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I am begging for ransom for this poor child. 1$, 5$, 10$ - <a href="http://www.youcaring.com/adoption-fundraiser/we-can-save-baby-n/64303" target="_blank">anything at all. </a><br /><h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:1,&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;K&quot;}"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-weight: normal;">&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></h5>Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-36819335723146701062013-07-28T07:05:00.001-07:002013-07-28T07:06:38.317-07:00Hope in Russia.My friends, I have to admit, that being involved in the stories of so many adoptive parents in US, especially those that adopt children with special needs from Russia, I often find myself asking - what is Russia doing? Do the people of Russia and other EE countries simply not care? Is there no living breathing human beings left, who are heartbroken for those who are left to live out their short lives in the orphanages?<br /><br />The answer presented itself. I would like to introduce you to Natalya Vodyanova.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yGjbJI-_zk/UfUiesTOkaI/AAAAAAAAHZ4/rpkh8Nyou8o/s1600/nata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yGjbJI-_zk/UfUiesTOkaI/AAAAAAAAHZ4/rpkh8Nyou8o/s400/nata.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Stunningly beautiful young lady, a Russian supermodel, who, after the terrible massacre in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beslan_school_hostage_crisis">Beslan&nbsp;</a>, was aching to help the children who survived the nightmare. She also knows all too well the struggles of those children, who were born "less than perfect", according to the general opinion of the people. She helped organize the <a href="http://www.nakedheart.org/en/who-we-are/our-story/" target="_blank">Naked Hearts Foundation.</a><br /><br />The foundation is dedication to not only build parks for children of all socioeconomic levels to have a safe place to learn, heal and grow emotionally, but also educate families with Russia that special needs child is not a curse, but a blessing. They also work with government officials to provide education and financial help to those families, that either adopt a special needs child or decide to raise him/her themselves, instead of sending the child off to an orphanage.<br /><br />Just last week, the foundation raised 3.2Mil Euros for financial help for the families, who are raising kids with Special needs. One of the &nbsp;foundation's <a href="http://www.nakedheart.org/en/who-we-are/our-mission/" target="_blank">missions </a>are:<br /><br />"<strong style="background-color: white; color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Helvetica_Neue; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">We aim</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Helvetica_Neue; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">&nbsp;to make sure that no child with living parents ends up in an orphanage or a children’s home. We are working to tackle the stigma of disability, so that no parent feels pressured to give up a disabled child. And we’re working with families who have made the challenging&nbsp;decision to keep their disabled child at home, in order to give them free access to a full range of services and the support of specialists familiar with international best practice and modern technology."</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Helvetica_Neue; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica_Neue;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">My heart rejoices. There is hope. My dream is that one day there would be no need for adoption. That the kids with special needs, born into poverty, born in families with substance abuse, those&nbsp;bereaved&nbsp;of family, have a chance to find a loving family within their own country.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica_Neue;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">There are people with open hearts towards orphans in Russia,&nbsp;just&nbsp;like there are everywhere in the world. They are fighting on&nbsp;the&nbsp;front-lines&nbsp;just like us, educating, standing their ground, and using their God-given gifts to truly make a difference in this world. My prayers go out to Natalya and her team at the NHO. May there be no orphanages one day.</span></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Helvetica_Neue; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Helvetica_Neue; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Helvetica_Neue; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-1882067720633649852013-07-21T09:48:00.001-07:002013-07-21T09:48:59.456-07:00Silent Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WLoIHiGHXp0/UewQ6sg4EuI/AAAAAAAAHZo/yH1p1_6XRv4/s1600/mother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WLoIHiGHXp0/UewQ6sg4EuI/AAAAAAAAHZo/yH1p1_6XRv4/s400/mother.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cosmicgirlie.com/silent-sunday/"><img alt="" src="http://www.cosmicgirlie.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Silent-Sunday.jpg" /></a>Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-69933921271601845142013-07-19T12:15:00.001-07:002013-07-19T12:15:30.636-07:00Call for action - Linny<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QndkPrRa8Cg/UemOxs5npkI/AAAAAAAAHWc/zSrWpB7ff5Q/s1600/linny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QndkPrRa8Cg/UemOxs5npkI/AAAAAAAAHWc/zSrWpB7ff5Q/s200/linny.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This sweet angel, who shares the name with a dear friend of mine, desperately needs a family. Another blogger has been pationately praying and advocating on her behalf.<br /><br />She was born in 2010, and while at a foster home, suffered a frightful injury, which left her unable to move in her right side.<br />Her eyes are captivating. So much sadness. No child should have eyes like that.<br /><br />I ask for prayer on her behalf and on behalf of her family, who have yet to find her. I ask for my advocate friends to help me spread the word, to shake up the rusty gates and help her come home.<br /><br />You can find out more about Linny at <a href="http://stopforsnowdrops.blogspot.com/2013/07/beautiful-sad-linny.html" target="_blank">"Stop for Snowdrops"</a>.&nbsp; My fellow warrior Johanna, posted more direct information on her current developmental challenges, and condition. Her Reese's Rainbow site is <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/57048/linny">here.</a> Lets do this, friends. Lets be a part of this.<br /><br />Some questions answered about her:<br /><br /><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How does she communicate? Can she speak? How many words?</span></b><br />She is burbling, not really talking.<br /><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">What is her favorite toy to play with? Her favorite thing to do?</span></b><br />She doesn’t really play with toys. But she really loves snack (fruit, cracker, candy, etc).<br /><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Can she move around on her own? How?</span></b><br />She can’t move well. She is not walking. She is not crawling well.<br /><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Does she like to play with the other children? Does she have a best friend?</span></b><br />She doesn’t play with other children much. She would stay aside and look when other children are playing. Sometimes she smiles.<br /><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">What is her personality like?</span></b><br />Fairly quiet.<br /><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">What is she learning right now?</span></b><br />She is not in school/class.<br /><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Is she toilet trained? Does she have control of her bowels and bladder?</span></b><br />She can’t control yet, she is still in diaper. Her nanny is potty training her.<br /><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">What does she do when she’s happy? excited? sad? angry?</span></b><br />She smiles when she is happy. She claps her hands when she is very happy/excited. She cries when she is sad/angry.<br /><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Does she like music? What does she do when she hears it?</span></b><br />She likes music She waves her hands when she hears music.<br /><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Her updated measurements</span></b><br />Height: 79cm; Weight: 9kg; Head: 44cm<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gqpMbYOYEUk/UemQM6ZbO1I/AAAAAAAAHWs/wx3UHDalDpM/s1600/linny2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gqpMbYOYEUk/UemQM6ZbO1I/AAAAAAAAHWs/wx3UHDalDpM/s200/linny2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-78848411656670287222013-07-17T05:19:00.002-07:002013-07-19T05:29:48.015-07:00Teaching this old dog new tricks - Freedom FridaysAfter getting inspired (thanks Youtube), I have decided to pick up a new craft. Card-making!<br />I bought some strter supplies, and was so excited to start the first project.<br />I quickly discovered that I lack fundamental skills, like, basic math. The measuring and cutting of the appropriate length of paper was a major task.<br />Gluing things, is something apparently, I skipped in elementary school, because the glue stick that claimed to be "extra strong" did not want to glue anything.<br />Stamping? Yep, did it wrong.<br />Glue dots? HAHAH.<br />Sparkles? Yep, my hair is sparkly, but the card looked like a slug-fairy crawlled all over it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-02ufOPNJnfg/UeklVJmvmQI/AAAAAAAAHVQ/ltP-EIWtTSA/s1600/cards.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-02ufOPNJnfg/UeklVJmvmQI/AAAAAAAAHVQ/ltP-EIWtTSA/s200/cards.JPG" width="171" /></a></div><br />But overall, an enjoyable experience, very tranquil for some reason, despite the stress. I produced 3 cards: not stellar, but they are going into my "beginner's hall of fame". One issue that I came across, and maybe some of you experienced card makers could help me with this: My brand new Fiskars paper cutter, leaves the decorative paper frayed after cutting. It's the kind of paper that they sell in large bundles or peel off binders at the scrapbooking section. It's rather thing, and I'm sure not of the best quality. The cutter has no issues with cardstock paper.<br />You might be able to see the edges on the color parts - they are not very crisp.<br />Anyone have any idea on what to do?<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCRyY6tck7U/Ueklesw12xI/AAAAAAAAHVY/zJlZVCTiUM0/s1600/charms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCRyY6tck7U/Ueklesw12xI/AAAAAAAAHVY/zJlZVCTiUM0/s200/charms.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Another new craft that I am slowly picking up is jewelry making. I started with purse charms, because I found some awesome acrylic charms on sale, and I am much better with a pair of needlnosed plies than papercutter. They came out looking really nice!<br /><br />So, that's what I'm up to lately. Hope you all have a wonderful week!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myturnforus.com/" target="_blank"><a href="http://www.myturnforus.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="My Turn for us" src="http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a482/Myturnforus/freedomfridays21_zpse6be5371.png" /></a></a> Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-78510523598242903962013-07-01T06:27:00.001-07:002013-07-12T03:16:57.571-07:00Battle-horn has sounded for Baby NDear friends, I come to you with a prayer request, as well as an opportunity to be &nbsp;apart of an awesome battle, that the Lord is fighting for a little boy. <a href="http://www.youcaring.com/adoption-fundraiser/we-can-save-baby-n/64303" target="_blank">Little baby N</a> (as you well know that to protect the children, and adoption, the kids are not called by their full names.)Currently, this sweet little boy lives in an orphanage. To make matters and the situation more dire, he is suffering from EB (<a href="http://www.debra.org/index.php?_kk=epidermolysis%20bullosa&amp;_kt=e316035d-a209-4e44-abbb-4f316a3321d5&amp;gclid=CKO7_5KyjrgCFZNj7AodKFgAPg" target="_blank">Epydermolysis Bullosa</a>), which is a rare and deadly genetic skin disease. It is called "the worst disease you never heard of", and I fully agree.. Lets come together and be a part of another miracle. There is a family that's working to bring this precious little boy home. His time is literally running out - he needs adequate medical care, while he waits for a cure.<br /><br />So, friends, visitors, I lay my heart down before you and plead to spend some time with God, and talk with him. Pray on N's behalf, pray for his family, pray for the officials to grant the adoption. I also ask to be able to give, even as little as a few dollars, towards this adoption. We have seen mountains move. We have seen impossible odds being beat. This is NOT impossible. This is love.<br /><br />If you want to find out a bit more, or to offer a donation, pleas follow this fundraiser link:<a href="http://www.youcaring.com/adoption-fundraiser/we-can-save-baby-n/64303" target="_blank"> Baby N's hope.</a><br /><br /><b>Update</b>: I do beleive I forgot to mention, that at the end of the month, the creators of the fundraiser will be picking a random contributor's name, for a winning chance fpr an iPad mini!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHiQ7WmLMi0/UdGB_pBiqoI/AAAAAAAAHTg/2h-adZmut00/s560/45df7818-88e2-4d08-b219-826f84c33e0c_profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Baby N" border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHiQ7WmLMi0/UdGB_pBiqoI/AAAAAAAAHTg/2h-adZmut00/s320/45df7818-88e2-4d08-b219-826f84c33e0c_profile.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-81351090101442032692013-06-22T08:36:00.001-07:002013-06-22T08:36:37.832-07:00In the waiting room...A friend of mine and a brother in Christ recently painted a beautiful picture :<a href="http://networkedblogs.com/MqTz6" target="_blank">In the waiting room of unanswered prayer</a>:<br /><br />"The hurt’s so heavy, but the waiting room’s so full. There’s not a chair in sight. So many needs.<br /> And so you slide down the wall to the floor, and hug your chin to your knees, and the nurse calls another, and someone else takes their seat.<br /> It happens over and over, and you watch as each leaves in laughter."<br /><br />I have to admit, this could not have been written at a better time, because I have been in this waiting room for sometime now. I have to admit, my friends, my heart's been so heavy lately. Unanswered prayers: one of the biggest conundrums that I have faced. Why not me? Why not answer my prayer? Why not hear my meek little gasps for help? Not for my sake, but for those I am praying for.<br /><br />It's hard friends. It's so hard to be faithful when I live without a care in a world, but others suffer so. It's hard to pray for a "new day", yet wake up and read another horror post on Facebook. And the hurt is not even mine, the pain isn't mine, and it's not about how I feel. It's hard being faithful and realize fully that I have no control over this. I cannot do anything to fix it. <br /><br />I know God is faithful, and He does things in His own time. But my heart is breaking. Another friend of mine, wrote an awesome series on prayer:&nbsp; <a href="http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/2011/05/prayer-and-fasting.html" target="_blank">A Place Called Simplicity</a>. And I cannot help but feel - if it "ME" Lord? Am I not asking earnestly enough? But you know my heart, and you know that this is something I wish most of all. Am I not "good enough" to be granted my prayer with a "yes"? But I will never be, that's why I need you.<br /><br />I've been praying for a miracle, a cure, a complete an utter miracle - eradication of Epydermolysis Bullosa from the face of this world. This wretched, twisted, wicked thing that crept up in our world, and continues to torture and kill the most vulnerable of all. What I can I do, Father? How will you bless me to be a part of this plan? Why this? Why for them? Its so unfair.<br /><br />Should you read these words, please speak a prayer on my behalf. Perhaps the Father will hear our voices together. I know there are hundreds praying, no - HOLLERING for mercy! Please grant them mercy. Please grant them rest. Please let this horror be over.<br /><br />I will continue to pray, continue to beg, continue to let my heart be broken again and again. The answer sometimes is "No.", but it never is "Please stop asking". So I won't, Father. Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-87253019847823087582013-05-25T05:11:00.000-07:002013-05-25T05:17:03.242-07:00An UpdateSorry, my friends, I've been away for far too long. Just to update briefly on what's going on lately.<br />I am still planning to go to Uganda, that faraway land is calling my name.<br />Unfortunately, every-time I plan to go, the circumstances are against me. But I am not giving up, and have already started planning and saving for the next opportunity that comes along.<br /><br />I do plan to join the <a href="http://www.internationalvoiceoftheorphan.com/" target="_blank">International Voice of the Orphan's GO team</a> - awesome bunch of people that I cannot wait to meet.<br /><br />I had my new son, who is now 5 months old - very exciting. Been continuing to work with the <a href="http://www.orphanwares.com/" target="_blank">Orphanwares </a>(and learned some new exciting things to make in the process!) Got into couponing and saved a bunch of money. I actually created a <a href="http://allmycoupons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog about it</a>, because what do you do when you get into something? You blog about it! <br /><br />So, just wanted to say "Hi, I'm back!" Hope to see you all back here as well.Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-7909537786578328682012-03-15T07:57:00.002-07:002012-03-15T08:03:22.033-07:00Into Making things, but now sure what to do with it?Are you spending all your free time on making....stuff? Sewing, drawing, decoupaging, carving, molding, sculpting? Filling up your closets with wonderful and dear items, but not quite sure what to do with all of it?<br /><br />I have a suggestion for you! International Voice for the Orphans has created a wonderful ministry, that benefits both - the crafters and those who like buying unique, hand-made items. 100% of the proceeds go to support the orphans in Uganda. <br /><br />So, if you have hand-crafted items, or vintage things, laying around, collecting dust - send it to the Orphan Wares. Let the labor of your hands, become a tool, a means to bring hope to many.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u0xdqrPlpNI/T2IEdK-ujZI/AAAAAAAAFMU/nABzcD2R9n0/s1600/logo.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 75px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u0xdqrPlpNI/T2IEdK-ujZI/AAAAAAAAFMU/nABzcD2R9n0/s320/logo.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720139375924120978" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">How to donate?</span><br /><br />100% of the money from the sales (minus shipping costs) will be sold to feed orphans spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Please be aware that once the items have been shipped to Orphan Wares, we are not able to return them to you. Our prayer is that the Lord will bless you and your family as you have blessed others!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Please include the following information with your donation:</span><br /><br />Your Name<br />Your E-mail address<br />Item Description<br />Quantity<br />Suggested Donation<br /><br />Please ship your donation to:<br />Shipping Manager<br />Attn: IVO - Orphan Wares<br />11000 Brimhall Rd., Suite E<br />Bakersfield, Ca 93312Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-61574093228969137492012-03-13T17:08:00.000-07:002012-03-13T17:09:22.861-07:00One Step closerWell, I have made my appointment for Uganda shots for this week - very excited. Unfortunately, it does not look like my last physician bothered to transfer over my immunization records over from our previous state, so I might be coming home with a few more shots than I have anticipated.<br /><br />My hubby is so excited for me, I am truly thankful to have someone so supportive in anything I do, but especially this. <br /><br />In the other news, I spend yesterday planting my veggies and herbs for this season. Hopefully more than rosemary survives. :D Anyone would like lots of rosemary? Apparently nor rain, nor sleet, nor snow stops rosemary. <br /><br />Oh, I have finally gotten David Crowder's last album (Requiem), and I just LOVE it. I've been listening to it nonstop. It's a bit unusual, but a true piece of art, and I would most definitely recommend it.Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-68982616679944293602012-02-23T06:39:00.000-08:002012-02-23T06:41:23.083-08:00Thursday blog hop: Lets make new friends!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7bukzxghcCs/T0ZP3AqQ6EI/AAAAAAAAFI4/2_Ck2ouaBy8/s1600/thursday-favorites-blog-hop-KCB.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 225px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7bukzxghcCs/T0ZP3AqQ6EI/AAAAAAAAFI4/2_Ck2ouaBy8/s320/thursday-favorites-blog-hop-KCB.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712340983854721090" /></a><br /><br />Please join me for a Thursday Blog hop at Katherin's blog. Share your favorite posts with new and old visitors. Make new friends and find new readers. :)Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-26812556656498399322012-02-17T08:52:00.002-08:002012-02-17T08:57:07.635-08:00Five Questions FridayYay, a blog hop!<br /> Today's blog hope features 5 questions to answer this Friday. <br /><center><a href="http://fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Five Question Friday"><img border="0" src="http://i607.photobucket.com/albums/tt155/fivecrookedhalos/th_w6r0jk.png" img /></a></center><br /><br />So I invite everyone to join me and other bloggy-friends to share a little bit about yourself today.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1. What do you do when you are really upset to calm yourself down?</span><br />Honestly? Take my anti-anxiety medication and watch Monk. =)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2. Do you go all out for V-day or is it just another day?</span><br />It's just another day. I really dislike V-day, and I avoid doing anything V-day related for it.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />3. Are you more or less productive when Hubs is away?</span><br />Definitely more productive when it comes to house cleaning. I'm not sure what it is. It's like the bear's out of the cave, so I can go to town on everything!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">4. What is your favorite time of day and why?</span><br /><br />3-4 PM. I think because I really like the way the sunlight looks around that time of day. The day is almost dwindling down, but there is still plenty of time to do something. Its just a magic hour for me. :)Also, the best nap time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">5. What is your go to karaoke song?</span><br />Pretty much anything, really. I love to sing. So, anything I know the lyrics to will work for me. :DCatalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-44511079490135580472012-02-15T04:22:00.002-08:002012-02-15T04:26:37.446-08:00I'm definitely no Mozart.Once in a while a dream will come along, which will give me some great idea for something. And by great, I mean - it goes into my "Inventions" journal. Some of my inventions are strange, some are actually pretty cool.<br /><br />Sometimes a dream will come along, in which I would compose a song. Last night I had such a dream. It was a worship song, simple but really beautiful. I was even writing out the notes, but when I woke up I could only remember the first 3 notes. I tried playing them to jog my memory - nope, doesn't ring a bell.<br /><br />I forgot the melody, the lyrics, everything! And it was so pretty. So frustrating.<br />You ever dream something really cool, and think to yourself - I GOTTA remember this when I wake up, and then you don't?Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-14830710463441288952012-02-13T08:19:00.000-08:002012-02-13T08:28:28.954-08:00Help me get to Uganda!This is always a bit awkward for me, I have to admit, but I feel that there is no shame to ask for help. As I have mentioned in one of <a href="http://upthehillbothways.blogspot.com/2012/01/what-god-will-do-with-your-i-would.html">my previous posts</a>, I have made a decision to go on my first missions trip to Uganda. The trip is lead by <a href="http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/">The Saunders family</a>, under the <a href="http://www.internationalvoiceoftheorphan.com/">International Voice for the Orphan</a>.<br /><br />As this is my very first trip, I frankly, have no idea what entails in raising the money for it. But I would like to introduce my effort: Hand-crafted toys and ornaments for sale at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/annaalbano?ref=pr_profile">my new Etsy store</a>.<br /><br />I love crafting, and I figured since I am fairly good at it (I hope!), I would like to use the skills I have to help me get to Uganda. So, if you are looking for a gift for someone, or just plain would like to help, please visit <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/annaalbano?ref=pr_profile">my Etsy shop</a>. I am still adding new items, so please don't forget to keep looking. Hopefully you will find something that catches your eye, or calls your heart. Maybe there is a toy cookie that wants to be taken to your home.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_zOHLAIYnwo/Tzk5JTP4NsI/AAAAAAAAFEw/yL0nqeimeuw/s1600/cookies1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 282px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_zOHLAIYnwo/Tzk5JTP4NsI/AAAAAAAAFEw/yL0nqeimeuw/s320/cookies1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708656834617292482" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GfpeXQwrUE/Tzk5mHg9fwI/AAAAAAAAFE8/1I5xdjOiAQU/s1600/heart4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GfpeXQwrUE/Tzk5mHg9fwI/AAAAAAAAFE8/1I5xdjOiAQU/s320/heart4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708657329683922690" /></a><br /><br />If you would like something special made, please let me know. I am quite new to Etsy, so I'll be happy to try and create something for you especially. Please drop me and email at annajrb@gmail.com.<br /><br />Onward to Uganda!Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-83276211425329479462012-02-03T09:37:00.000-08:002012-02-03T09:47:15.158-08:00Elija's Hope : Adopt an orphan in prayerI am SO excited today! Today is a big day, as Elija's Hope prayer ministry have officially been announced.<br /><center><a href="http://www.elijahshope.net"><img src="http://www.elijahshope.net/images/badge.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />Elija's hope is a place, where an orphanage can submit individual children from all over the world, and individuals from all over the world (or churches, families, etc) will be matched to pray for those children. <br /><br />How is this awesome? Well, for one, you can adopt a child in prayer (or more than one, or the whole orphanage), and not only intercede on their behalf, but also pray for their individual needs. <br /><br />Will this make a difference? It has and will make a monumental difference. There are many who were touched and heart broken for the lost children of the world. But the need is so great, it feels like a great void that one individual cannot fill. Where to start? Who to help first?<br /><br /> But miracles often happen in small ways. Often - they start with a prayer. Like a ripple on the surface of the water, or a flicker of a flame. Then it grows and grows, spreading out in waves, until it swallows up the darkness. A committed, ongoing, unceasing prayer on behalf of someone who has no voice. So, even if you cannot adopt yourself, have no money to donate, cannot go visit them, you can still be their voice. And the best of all, you can ask the Creator himself on their behalf. You can love them, even from miles and miles away, and be in their lives.<br /><br />I am excited: Elija's Hope is a place where you can impact individual lives, and as a bonus - learn a lot about your own heart. Please visit them.Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-61709599121081666062012-02-02T07:56:00.000-08:002012-02-02T08:56:06.128-08:00Thursday blog hop: Lets make new friends!<a href="http://www.bassgiraffe.com/category/bassgiraffe-linkups" target="blank"><img src="http://www.bassgiraffe.com/buttons/bassgiraffe125x125tbh.jpg" alt="Bassgiraffe's Thoughts Thursday Blog Hop" width="125" height="125" border="0" /></a><center><a href="http://joyinthejumble.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Joy in the Jumble" src="http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m13/harveyusn/blog-hop-button-175.gif" /></a></center><br /><br />Please visit <a href="http://www.bassgiraffe.com/2012/02/thursday-blog-hop-0202-with-google.html">bassgiraffe’s Thoughts</a>, and take a chance at meeting some new blog friends, as well as find new readers for your own blog.<br /><br />And because giraffes are awesome, here is a picture of one:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lktacm0Ah0c/Tyqy2zAEYjI/AAAAAAAAFEk/saTMUMZ7QkA/s1600/1151002301_3a0daa03e6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lktacm0Ah0c/Tyqy2zAEYjI/AAAAAAAAFEk/saTMUMZ7QkA/s320/1151002301_3a0daa03e6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704568532491330098" /></a><br />Photo by Four Doxn.Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-58166356077890939332012-01-31T13:28:00.000-08:002012-01-31T13:34:55.519-08:00Kori's StoryReposted from <a href="http://covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/2012/01/koris-story.html">Micah Six Eight</a>:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">This is Kori's story...<br />----------------------------------------<br /><br />The doors open. We are treated to tea and cookies and treats in the director’s office. Afterwards they walk us to meet the person we had been waiting so long to see. Doors swing open left and right. Joshua, barely able to keep from vomiting. Something about the unusual smells and triggers he is unprepared to face. People of all ages and levels of disability stand. And watch. And one after the other speaks the word: “Amerikanskis”.<br /><br />The word multiplies and follows us like the roar of a huge wave. No one believes that these Americans have come to their mental institution. Could it be true? Are they coming to adopt a child from HERE??<br />Plastic slippers. Flickering TV screens. Oriental rugs. Old drafty windows. People with Down Syndrome. Cerebral Palsy. Cleft Palate. Deformities. Mental illness. Hidden from society, where only the perfect are welcome. Discarded. Unwanted. Alone. Day after day here, never leaving this building.<br />She sits in a ball pit with colorful toys surrounding her. The six month old baby with the sweet little hat that makes her look like a little old lady. Her eyes crossing. Cute. Now where is Masha?<br />But wait. This is an Eastern European mental institution. They only take ages 4 and up. A second look. There is no freaking way.<br />There is no way in heaven or hell that this can be…..she is almost eight……<br />I drop to my knees, grab the tiniest baby hands and stare into the eyes of the eight year old trapped in a body no larger than that of a small six month old infant. What in the name of God….<br />“Masha. It is Mama. Mama is here”.<br /><br />I manage to say these words while the room suddenly fills with caregivers. People in white coats. Women weeping. So many crying women. I ask permission to lift her out of the ball pit and she immediately rests her weary head against my shoulder as if to say : "You have finally come. I assume this is what kids like me do with ladies like you.” <br />I tell her : "Hi beautiful princess” and a caregiver behind me bursts into tears. “Princessa Masha!” she exclaims, now crying so hard that I am worried for her for a moment. <br /><br />We are asked if we will accept the referral of this child. We accept. <br /><br />And as we spend a month daily visiting her in the only home that has cared for this beautiful small girl after she aged out of the baby orphanage, we learn about the reality of the imperfect people in this country. Beautiful people. Tucked away as far from society as possible. Out of sight. Out of mind.<br />We walked among angels. The souls that live out their lives under these conditions have left their indelible mark on mine. Their faces. I see their eyes. I still see their eyes.<br /><br /><br /> I saw the children in their "bedridden" room in their beds alone, begging for some attention and love. The small guy with his hands tied in a cloth. I saw the old building that needs so much work. I saw the older children with CP scooting on all fours down the hall, too old for adoption and no hope of a life outside of that institution.<br /><br />I sat on those couches with some of the teenage girls who brushed my hair...and held my hands...and got hugs and kisses... I called them Princess V., and Princess I. (and all the other beautiful names of all those sweet kids) I went on this adoption trip with some rings and necklaces, and the girls wore them proudly. They learned some English....but I hope that most of all they learned what love is. My heart broke leaving them.. Every day when I got Kori from her room, I blew kisses at the children there and I said my "pryvet" to each and every one of them there. The smiles were priceless.<br /><br />When we got to the institution after court, the director's assistant ( who was in court with us to represent the institution) was very happy and told the director that we had passed court. <br /><br />We went upstairs and they brought Kori to us. While playing, we noticed that a number of children were being walked down the hall in nice outfits. Maybe it was a holiday? <br /><br />One by one the children were being photographed. We stood, we watched. We were amazed. Kori's adoption had made them realize that people DO want these kids and permission was granted to list them. Every single one that was legally available. They were being photographed for their adoption listing. I wish I could have gotten video of this. The excitement. The joy. It was contagious. As the pictures were being snapped, we stood there and clapped and yelled: "Horosho!" (good) along with the caregivers. Random caregivers stopped by and showed us their little ones and asked us to bring them home too. Doors were being opened and the joy on the faces of the caregivers was wonderful beyond words. <br /><br />Within 24 hours of Kori leaving the mental institute she had a seizure. It is common for European mental institutes to sedate some of the residents, and although no one could say for sure, it was suspected that Kori's seizure was related to sudden withdrawal of sedative medication. After a day or two without the drugs, while still in country, her tiny nearly eight year old body could not handle the sudden change and she began to seize. An ambulance was called. The EMT's called hospital after hospital, trying to find one that would agree to take Kori and treat her.<br /><br />They were turned down at four hospitals. She was not wanted. Finally, after negotiations, the last hospital relented and decided to admit Kori. <br /><br />Sometimes adoption breaks a Mama's heart so badly that the words cannot come for a very long time. Sometimes what is seen and experienced is so gut-wrenching that it takes time and distance to begin to heal the pain. Sometimes.<br /><br /><br />Time stood still. Seconds seemed like minutes, minutes seemed like hours. We had adopted her and had only had her in our custody for about 24 hours. Her little body shook violently in my arms. She gasped for air over and over. Her eyes rolled back in her head. Our daughter was having a massive seizure. I feared that this was it. That she was going to die before she would ever meet her brothers. She would quite possibly never experience more than just a 12 hour train ride, cradled in the arms of her daddy.<br /><br /> It would be twenty minutes before the ambulance would get there.When the ambulance finally arrived the seizure was over. Kori was lethargic and weak. The EMT ladies placed her on the bed and undressed her. Apparently her temperature was extremely low. They gave her several injections and then the yelling began. One of the women argued loudly with our facilitator. I could tell it was about Kori’s condition. I am sure this was a shock to them.<br /><br /><br />A seven year old child with Down Syndrome who weighed 16 pounds and looked exactly like a 7 month old infant. Her eyes infected. Her teeth so rotten that the smell was noticeable even from a distance. Her legs limp and stick like.<br /><br />I experienced first hand the disgusted look the EMS people gave my little girl. The way they left her barely clothed on the bed. The way they spoke the words: "Down Syndrome'', spitting them out with anger and repeating over and over. We were unfit parents and she should have remained in her institution. Five hospitals refused her medical care. My facilitator held her hand out for 200 hrivna bills more times than I can count at the hospital that finally admitted her. That money was paid to the doctor, to the nurses, as "incentive money". One nurse was especially horrible to Kori and caused her pain on purpose. My facilitator met her in the hallway and handed her a 200 hrivna bill in exchange for humane treatment for my daughter. <br /><br /><br />I used to say I could never go back. After she had a seizure in the city, and we witnessed first hand exactly how poorly people with Down Syndrome are treated, I thought I could never ever set foot in that country again. <br /><br />On days like today though, all I want is to go back. To sit on that couch in the hallway. I long to hold the children I came to love while I was there. I want to tell them they matter. Oh, how they matter. I want to simply walk the halls and make eye contact with the forgotten. I see you. And you. And you. And you. Who will see? How can I make people SEE?? See these amazing spirits, these survivors, these quietly fading people</span>?<br /><br />--------------------------<br /><br />Heartbroken. Utterly devastated. Ashamed of my own heritage. To have to <span style="font-weight:bold;">bribe a woman to treat a child humanely</span> - how can that be, that people can be so cruel to someone so small, so defenseless. <br /><br />I don't know how to make them see either. I pray God reveals His plan, what's my part in this? For now I can only weep in desperation with dozens of parents who found their precious children across the sea in ..basically a concentration camp.<br /><br />I want to get angry, but anger breeds more anger. So instead Ill just weep and pray.Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-14205638729484872562012-01-30T12:26:00.000-08:002012-01-30T12:29:29.877-08:00Call for prayer: Boy needs a homeDear friends, please take time out to pray for Brandon.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCN8BJcJOrc/Tyb9JpKagdI/AAAAAAAAFEY/F23IFUhB0KM/s1600/brandonmarch2011-cropped-214x300.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCN8BJcJOrc/Tyb9JpKagdI/AAAAAAAAFEY/F23IFUhB0KM/s320/brandonmarch2011-cropped-214x300.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703524320221495762" /></a><br />From <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/8337/brandon2906">his RR</a> page: <br />Brandon is a sweet little boy who was born with CP. He is said to have "severe mental delays" and his speech is also very delayed, but he is at least able to get around on his own and is not bedridden. The change in him, to be in the loving environment of his own family, would be remarkable, surely! <br />He also has crossed eyes and astigmatism.<br />Brandon is blessed to still be at the baby house. He is facing the institution.<br /><br />-----------------------------<br /><br />Please forward this to your friends and orphan advocates. He needs a home badly, much like many other children, currently living in baby houses and institutions in Eastern Europe. Please consider donating to their fund, but most of all, please consider giving him a home.Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-54697341978199120812012-01-28T17:53:00.000-08:002012-01-28T18:01:16.568-08:00Really trying timeI don't' really get it, <br />i was so excited about coming to C4c this year, especially after getting over some reason tough stuff that I dealt with spiritually, and I'm just so not in the game this year. It doesn't help that all 3 of us have picked up some stomach bug, and been feeling weird. I'm just exhausted all the time, I've spent most of the day in bed. <br />I've had at least 2 breakdown/anxiety attacks, which I did not have since I started taking my new medications a few months ago.<br /><br />So between feeling like I don't belong, because I think I am the only woman here that has not adopted yet (or haven't even started the process), and being an absolutely dork, when it comes to meeting people - Its been a strange weekend.<br /><br />It had a lot of good moments too, and <br />I'm grateful that I came, don't get me wrong. The team, who put this together did and amazing job, and nothing can take away from me, especially not my own little problems.<br /><br />I'm also grateful that God is patient with me in my self-pity party moments. I guess I was just expecting to be filled spiritually this weekend, instead, I felt more barren that I have in weeks. Maybe I am just truly spiritually starved, and it took a few hundred of "well-fed" Christian women to show it to me.<br /><br />Oh maybe it's the stomach bug and being naturally awkward about people. I am not sure yet.Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-4968619836190764522012-01-27T10:08:00.000-08:002012-01-27T10:15:14.591-08:00Created for care, day 1IM at the retreat with my girls, we got here last night. So excited, getting ready to go for the registration. Just got back from an awesome breakfast at Cracker Barrel. So thankful for my best friends , my awesome sisters in Christ.<br /><br />Have to admit though, I am a bit nervous of the crowds. But I think it's going to be a great weekend!<br />I am typing on an IPad (not mine) and I must admit- I am somewhat jealous. This is neat!Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364525192942166024.post-85469429311347266682012-01-20T10:12:00.001-08:002012-01-20T10:12:54.144-08:00Why I hate Religion...Something I wanted to share with you, because it is so striking right into the heart.<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1IAhDGYlpqY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14717574764415693598noreply@blogger.com2